Books from Afghanistan — The Book Roads

Homeira Qaderi

Dancing in the Mosque is a memoir written as a letter from Homeira Qaderi to her young son, whom she was forced to leave behind after a painful separation. Growing up in Afghanistan during decades of political upheaval, Qaderi discovers the power of education and writing as ways to resist the restrictions imposed on girls and women. Despite the dangers surrounding her, she pursues her education and becomes a writer, determined to preserve her independence and give voice to women’s experiences. Later, under Taliban rule, her personal freedom becomes increasingly limited, and motherhood places her in an agonising position. Through intimate reflections on love, loss, and resistance, Qaderi recounts the sacrifices she makes to remain true to herself while navigating a society that seeks to control women’s lives. The memoir is a powerful exploration of maternal love, personal courage, and the cost of freedom.

2020